Magic of Irises
           by Barbara Perry Lawton
           Hardcover - 192 pages 
           Fulcrum; ISBN: 1555912672 ; Dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 10

The iris: for the ancients it symbolized life, for Christians it was often associated with the Virgin Mary. Advancing armies used the iris in their flags and armor as a symbol of power and beauty. It has continually graced gardens the world over for thousands of years. Now this remarkably versatile flower has been definitively described in Barbara Perry Lawton’s Magic of Irises. The magic of irises in our gardens lies in their singular beauty and in the ease with which they can be grown. Describing the wondrous world of this remarkable plant, Lawton has thoroughly researched irises and their history. Many diverse topics are discussed, such as the legends and lore of irises, irises in American gardens, bearded and beardless irises, bulbous irises, pests and diseases, propagation, and botany. Whether you call them “irises,” fleurs de lis, or “flags,” this exquisitely beautiful series of flowers deserves at least one planting in every garden.